The Business of Sex Read online

  It shouldn’t make her crave him, but she damn sure did. He was all male, and her body ached for him. Lee had expertly handled her needs before, her first time. Maybe he’d be willing to handle her needs again from time to time. A convenient non-relationship would suit her just fine. Things didn’t have to get messy unless she was foolish enough to expect more from him this time.

  So far he hadn’t mentioned being involved with anyone. Lord knew women were always dropping themselves at his feet. To hear Beau talk, he went through women like water. She’d have to do some fishing.

  She returned to the table and for now, concentrated on her company. It was great to have an old friend in town. If nothing else, she and Lee had been friends. Madison Creek was a small town and Lee and Beau were the best of friends, and it had only been natural to hang out with him nearly every day of each summer she’d spent there. They had known each other well, and she’d always enjoyed his company.

  He told her about some of the projects he’d headed while living in Lafayette. He had opportunities galore with his financial background. But it was what he said next that knocked her off balance.

  “I met the man who runs the grocery store next to my office this afternoon, and his great-nephew. I think I’ve already found the perfect side project. Know anything about the rec center?”

  Her breath caught. “Yes, I’ve done everything under the sun to get it re-opened, but nothing has panned out so far.”

  The sexy look he sent her made her toes curl. “I got some information from Mr. McGregor, but I’d love to know what you’ve done, who you’ve talked to. I want to help.”

  Damn him. Did he have to be such a stand-up man? Did he have to remind her how out-of-her-league he was? How his family was The Family of Madison Creek? Her grandparents might be prominent citizens and direct descendants of the founders of the town, but Madison Creek was Carter Country. They owned the most land, the biggest store, the only pharmacy, and had recently sold the only bank and trust in the area.

  She knew he would make it happen with the community center. There was no doubt in her mind—he was so damn serious and businesslike, and had more moneyed contacts than she’d ever dream of. No sense depriving the local kids of their community center just because her last name didn’t quite measure up to Lee’s. “I’ll give you my file, whatever you need.”

  “Great. Something we can work on together. I’m liking this more and more,” he said.

  They finished eating while chatting about the rec center, giving her no chance to find out if he was attached, and as they left the restaurant, Lee’s smile of contentment made her heart flip-flop.

  The courtyard they’d entered was beautiful.

  He said, “This definitely isn’t the way we came in.”

  “No. No, it’s not. I always get turned around leaving this place.”

  He twined his fingers with hers, pulling her toward a lighted fountain. The city was covered in the colorful haze of sunset.

  She said, “One of my favorite things.”

  “This fountain?”

  “No.” She smiled. “The little things like this. This city has so many sides to it.”

  “You’re happy here?”

  “Yes. I can’t imagine living anyplace else.”

  “Funny. I’ve never been able to imagine living here...until now.”

  He hitched his hip and sat on the edge of the fountain, looking lost in thought.

  She understood about moving. A new city, a new life. It was a lot to take in all at once, and she wondered what he was thinking.

  She shifted and his gaze met hers, a quick grin curving his mouth. Reaching out, he touched her face with his fingertips. When he flattened his palm against her cheek, her pulse kicked up a notch. Laurel leaned into his hand, loving the warmth. Tilting her face, she slipped her tongue out to wet her lips then pressed a kiss to his palm.

  Night bathed the city; the humid air around them sizzled. Looking into familiar green eyes, she dared him, knowing he’d never been one to pass up a dare.

  His mouth pressed against hers. At first he only nibbled at her lower lip, yet her body melted into his touch. His tongue slipped between her lips and her body went weak. She drew him into the silky wetness, tempting and teasing him.

  A soft moan escaped her and she pushed her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. The intense longing inside her belly made her lose focus as he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her and angling her into the V of his legs.

  She could feel his arousal while the heated caresses of their mouths drove her on. She rocked her hips and smiled against his lips at his growl of pleasure.

  She wanted him. She’d always wanted him. That much hadn’t changed, even though he’d turned her inside out all those years ago—then left her alone. Well, it hadn’t been entirely his fault, since she was the one who’d returned to New Orleans for college. But he could have called, and he hadn’t, proving he’d never been serious about her.

  At the clang of the restaurant door they hesitantly parted. He gently brushed a stray hair behind her ear as the faint sounds of music floated around them. She was having too much fun spending time with Lee, and after the kiss, she didn’t want the evening to end.

  A sexy smile crossed his face. “Let’s walk.”

  She eyed him suspiciously.

  “Come on. You know you want to.”

  “Maybe. You’ve always been so serious. Have you learned to relax?”

  “Only one way find out.”

  Chapter 2

  Lee knew a night on the town with Laurel would lead to interesting things. She looked damn good. Her feminine curves had filled out in ways that had him itching to touch them. Her sandy colored hair fell over her shoulders, playing hide and seek with bare arms.

  The urge to see her again had grown since the first day he arrived in New Orleans. They weren’t kids anymore, and he was damn tired of meaningless flings with women he didn’t give a shit about. Seeing Laurel reminded him of what he really wanted: her.

  He was glad they were somewhat alone in the city, separated from their past together, which always included her family and his. He didn’t expect Laurel to make it an easy ride, but he was determined to see what would happen.

  After several blocks of walking, the sounds grew louder. Jazz music filled the air along with scents of smoke, alcohol and Southern cooking.

  “The House of Blues?” Laurel’s eyes brightened with the words.

  He shrugged. “Fine.”

  She grabbed his hand and tucked it tight to her abdomen. “Hang on.” She turned her head, her hair brushing his chin. “It’s always crowded here.”

  They made their way to the door where he paid the cover charge. Then he let Laurel half drag him through the crowd to an open table near the dance floor.

  “I love this place,” she said, scooting her stool closer to his.

  A waitress who didn’t look old enough to drink much less serve alcohol appeared at their table. “What’ll you have?”

  Laurel piped in before he could open his mouth. She put her hand on top of his, and squeezed. “He’ll have a buttery nipple and a long neck. I’d like a kamikaze and a hurricane.”

  The waitress bounced off, weaving though the crowd. Spotlights flicked on and off as the band set up on stage. People milled with purpose, and the empty tables filled quickly. When the waitress showed up with their drinks, he watched Laurel down her shot before the server took anything else off the tray.

  “Mmm, better,” she said, handing him a brownish concoction. “Drink this.”

  He eyed the glass in his hand. “What’s in it?”

  A sweet, sexy smile graced Laurel’s lips and she leaned closer. “It’s a buttery nipple. Trust me, you’ll like it.”

  He tossed back the drink, letting the burn of liquor course through him while Laurel ran her hand up his arm, then fiddled with his shirtsleeve.

  “It’ll loosen you up,” she said. “You’re way too tense.”

  “Maybe it’s not tension, baby.” He shifted in the seat, hot and hard. He’d been working long hours settling into the office. This place had atmosphere; it was easy to relax if he didn’t think about his rampant cock. “I like this place. Come here often?”

  “Not really. It’s more of a date place, and I haven’t had much time for that lately. The store keeps me busy.”

  The idea of her being in this sexy place with a date didn’t sit well with him. Then again, neither did the fact she spent her days in a sex shop, but he was trying to block those thoughts—and thoughts about all the freaks her shop could attract. The two of them had parted ways long ago, and he’d damn sure avoided thinking of how she’d spent her time since. She’d matured since their adventurous summer nights ten years ago, but the whole idea of her living, working and dating in this city rattled his nerves. He was here now, and the idea of keeping tabs on her was wildly appealing.

  “Got a girlfriend across the state?”

  He cleared his throat and swallowed before answering. “No.”

  She locked her chestnut gaze with his. “No?”

  “No, Laurel. If I did, do you think I would have kissed you like that?”

  She harrumphed. “Never know. Just checking.”

  “What about you? Boyfriend around?”

  “No.” She looked at her drink, picked up the glass and took a sip before looking his way again. “Have you seen my grandfather recently?”

  Good thing he knew how to keep up with her, and those quick changes of subject.

  “Yeah, I saw him about two weeks ago. I was in town putting things into storage.”

  “How’s he doing?”

  “Fine. Worried about you, as usual.”

  She laughed. “He just wants g
reat-grandkids.”

  “You think?” He lifted the corner of his mouth. “Doesn’t he have a few? Wendy has one, and one on the way.”

  “Crap. I forgot she was having another one,” Laurel said dramatically, almost like the idea was overwhelming. “Thank God for Wendy. Otherwise he really would be after me. Every time I talk to him he has me married with a passel of kids.” She huffed. “I can tell you that won’t be happening anytime soon.”

  He grinned in quick understanding. He didn’t like the idea of Laurel with a passel of kids. At least not just any passel.

  His jeans were growing tighter. Damn it. Where was this coming from?

  Kids. It wasn’t something he’d thought much about, and he didn’t date the kind of women who did. Yet Laurel mentioning kids had a burning desire sweeping through his body.

  She continued. “Too much I want to do first, including spending some time with the old fart. He just needs better topics of conversation. If he’d talk about other things, I might call him more often.”

  Hmm. “When was the last time you went to see him?”

  “Too long. We just hired a second part time person at the store. Before, it was too much for me to take off.”

  “Once I find a place I’ll have to go tag some stuff to have moved. You can come along for the ride if you want.”

  “Sounds great. I hate making the long drive alone.”

  She licked her cherry colored lips, and his eyes followed the tip of her tongue as it left a trail of moisture in its wake.

  “Good, it’s a date.” He lifted the long neck, tipping it to drink the cold beer. Music filled the club as the band started their next set.

  “Date indeed,” she breathed, sliding down from the barstool. She reached across the small table, taking his hand off his beer bottle.

  “I want to dance,” she said against his cheek, settling her soft lips on his skin. She took his hand in hers and wrapped it around her back. “Come on, dance with me.”

  She was sending out signals he hadn’t expected tonight, and falling into old routines wouldn’t work for him. He was at a point in his life when he wanted more.

  On the dance floor she melted into his arms. Swaying to the smooth blues, their bodies molded together in all the right places. Her fresh scent surrounded him, making him feel needy. His cock pulsed against his jeans, willing him to break it free.

  It had been a long time since he spent an entire evening on the dance floor, only breaking for a drink or two. At the table, Lee glanced at his watch. It was after midnight.

  “Ready to get out of here? Want me to drive you home?”

  She crinkled her forehead and planted a frown on her face. “No. Let’s order another drink. Then dance with me.”

  “Dancing is fine.” He reached for her hand. “Come on.”

  Nightlife in New Orleans never ended. Most of the clubs stayed open twenty-four, seven. It didn’t look like he’d be house-hunting at daybreak the way things were going.

  He’d manage. It was a promising night.

  Back on the dance floor, she meshed her body to his, and he groaned at the thoughts filling his head, reminding himself that when he’d set out to track her down, he’d only wanted to see her. Start slow. Never in a million years had he expected to end up here tonight. She was feeling little pain, but she was certainly doing a number on him.

  “Laurel,” he whispered as she played with the top button of his shirt. “It’s time to go.”

  She leaned back, looking him in the eye. Her lips were turned down in a pout. “No, not yet. This is so great. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Fuck. Not that look.

  He didn’t want to be a gentleman. If she kept this up, the ball would be in her court. He could already see her hair spilling on his pillow underneath him while he feasted on her sweet treasures.

  He shook his head. “Yeah. Let’s go. We’ve got plenty of time. Isn’t there a Starbucks around here?”

  She licked her lips. “Around the corner, but you know, I’m fine. I don’t need coffee.”

  “I do.” He took a step back and reached for her hand. “Let’s go. My car is parked a few blocks from here. I’ll drive you home after coffee.”

  Starbucks was close, and on the walk over, Laurel was more than a little friendly. She wrapped her arm around his waist, sliding her fingers into the waistband of his jeans, and when they stopped at a crosswalk waiting for the signal to change, she ran her hand from his waist to his neck. He felt the charge in his balls.

  The feel of her soft skin against the nape of his neck was too much in his condition. She was wreaking havoc on his whole body. Stepping in front of him, she brushed her sensual lips against his.

  Damn. Too much. He was a goner. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him. Kissing her was pure heaven. Their tongues dueled in an ancient rhythm, electrifying the air around them. She moaned, and he swallowed the delicious sound of it, jumping as a horn honked in the background.

  He pulled back enough to see the light had cycled, and they were stuck where they stood. They were both breathing heavy but Laurel was relentless, trailing kisses down the line of his jaw.

  “Come on, baby. Let’s get some coffee.” He grabbed her hand, practically pulling her across the street as the signal changed.

  “I’m fine. And I know what I’m doing,” she said as they stepped up onto the curb.

  She was fine, all right. He wondered if she knew where this night was leading. He wanted to think straight and get her home.

  After ordering the coffee, Lee handed her a cup.

  “My car’s this way,” he said as they headed out the door and down the street in the direction of the parking lot across from his office.

  “Okay.”

  He almost laughed. She’d changed over the years. Before, she would have put up a fight. This was turning into a very enlightening evening.

  She rattled off directions once they were in the car, then pretended to watch the scenery out the window, but he could feel her eyes on him.

  In front of her house, he parked and she jumped out. He hung back and watched as she trotted up to the front door, tossing her empty coffee cup into the trashcan on the front porch. She was leaning against the door when he walked under the portico.

  He asked, “What are you waiting for?”

  “You.” A sultry smile spread across her lovely lips.

  “I’m here now. Let’s go inside.”

  She shook her head. “You have to find the key first,” she whispered, wrapping her arm around his neck.

  He groaned. “What do you mean find it?”

  “The key is on me. Find it.” She dropped her arms to her sides. She was wearing a simple black dress, no pockets, sheer stockings and low-heeled black mules. Not many options for a hiding place.

  “Well, are we going to stand out here all night or what?” she teased.

  “Laurel, let’s go inside.”

  He was too aroused to play games; he burned for her. What he should do was to see her inside safely, return to his hotel and have a very long, very cold shower.

  “Sure. Find the key, and we can.” She lowered her eyelids. “Come’ere and I’ll help.”

  He stalked closer, letting her make the decision about where he’d spend the night. She took his hands in hers, bringing them to her chest until he was cupping the weight of her breasts. His palms nearly burned through the damned dress. He pinned her with his eyes, trying to figure out what was going on inside that pretty head.

  She leaned in and kissed his tense jaw. “Loosen up,” she whispered and trailed kisses toward his ear.

  His hands relaxed, his fingers flexed and felt her nipples tighten under the thin material. He groaned, giving in as heat pooled in his groin. He caressed her breasts, his thumbs grazing the tight buds of her nipples, making her moan.

  Hungry kisses consumed them, every inch of her lush body pressed against his. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her closer, and under the pressure of his fingers, the metal key slid from between her breasts. Somehow he managed to break the kiss and lift his head, searching her desire-filled eyes.

  It was going to be a long night.